John F. Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Statement.
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The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, citing "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt continued.
The planned renaming is shaping up as highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and named allies in their stead. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for extensive repairs and operational expenses at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This is a developing story. Further context will be provided shortly.
